Superb snowdrops show at Devonshire Mill venue

The wonderful display of snowdrops at Devonshire Mill.

Published:20:15Saturday 11 February 2017

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On Sunday 19 February, there will be an opportunity to visit the garden at Devonshire Mill, one of the oldest houses in Pocklington, to see double snowdrops, hellebores and ferns in a woodland setting.

There are different areas of interest at the mill with a stream, raised beds, greenhouses, a polytunnel, hen run and well-stocked herbaceous borders.

Devonshire Mill is a Grade II listed building thought to date from 1808. A booklet about its interesting history was printed last year and is available now.

It was a watermill powered by the beck and was grinding flour until closing down in the 1950s.

The present owners, Chris and Sue Bond, are keen amateur gardeners who have worked hard to create a special place.

The two acre garden is constantly being improved with extra planting along a path or another area to sit.

All the fruit and vegetables are organically grown and Chris and Sue do nearly everything themselves without professional help. The snowdrops were planted in the 1800s and since then have spread in drifts like snow in the two old orchards and along Pocklington Beck which runs through the garden.

Sue said: “When we moved here more than 20 years ago I was amazed by the sight of such beautiful snowdrops in February and March and decided to share the enjoyment with others.

“In the past 15 years the thousands of pounds raised for charities by our Snowdrop Open Garden Days have given hope to many people –traditionally snowdrops symbolise hope!”

Two years ago Sue and Chris joined the National Gardens Scheme. Over the years the NGS has raised more than 45 million for nursing care.

The organisations supported are the well known Macmillan, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, the Carer’s Trust , Parkinson’s UK and also the less familiar QNI (which campaigns for nursing care for patients in their own homes) and Perennial (Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society).

Devonshire Mill is a short distance from Pocklington for walkers.

There is some parking on the premises and considerate parking is permitted along Canal Lane with no restriction of time.